5 questions to ask before buying a used car

Buying a used car is a great alternative solution if you are on a tight budget. But this also poses some risks for the buyer as one wrong decision can lead him/her to a bigger expense in the future. To confirm this doesn’t happen, the buyer needs to do some research prior to buying and make sure s/he is not up for some dirty surprises.

Here in this article we have listed 5 questions every buyer should ask before buying an old car. Get the answers to cut down some of the risks of used vehicle purchase and to make your future ride smooth and safe.

How many previous owners?

The first thing you need to ask to the dealer is how many owners has your potential ride had in the past. A long list shouldn’t be too surprising for an older vehicle, but it may also indicate problems. Also, be concerned if the car is relatively new and has relatively low mileage, but has had many previous owners. In such case, it might be a good idea to dig deeper into its history.

How many miles does it have?

The information on mileage is as important as the vehicle itself. This is more or less the prime indicator of the value of a vehicle. It also reveals information about the vehicle’s condition and potential maintenance costs. Look out for high-mileage vehicles as they are more likely to be worn out and will need more maintenance work. The price you negotiate will almost certainly be based on mileage, and so will the car’s resale value and insurance premiums.

Has it been used, modified or reconditioned?

Demand a vehicle history to have a better idea of the condition of the car. You’ll know far more about the car looking at the history report closely than you will ever know by looking at the car. Look for information about mileage, ownership history, past repairing or servicing schedule and whether it has been in any crashes. The car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) will be needed for this.

If you are looking at a crash-damaged vehicle, inspect thoroughly. It doesn’t have to be a deal breaker, as long as the damage was repaired properly. The same goes for modified vehicles — high-quality mods are fine, but poorly-executed jobs can be big trouble. Steer clear of vehicles with salvage titles. They point to major problems with the car in question.

What is the dealership’s return policy?

It’s best to ask about the return policy before actually going for the deal. You don’t want any hassle regarding that after you have already done the purchase. A consumer friendly dealership will probably give you time to rethink the purchase and at least provide you equal value.

What service has the dealership performed on the used car since acquiring it?

It’s most likely that before going for the sale, dealer performs some kind of servicing on the car to make it road-worthy, if it wasn’t already. So, try to learn about the servicing history as it will help you determine what value you’re getting for your purchase. If they have done a complete servicing, that means you won’t be dealing with service repairs anytime soon after purchasing the car.

Buying an old car or car parts can be tricky, but if you do your research well and make decisions wisely you can secure quite a good deal for a fairly low price. Burleigh Auto Recyclers has been a trusted supplier for quality Gold Coast used, genuine and aftermarket car parts to mechanics and reputable workshops all over the coast and thousands of clients. If you need assistance, call us today on (07) 5593 4209.